Los Cabos Among Safest Mexico Destinations Despite Latest Survey

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Every quarter, the Mexican government (INEGI) asks citizens a simple question: “Do you feel safe living in your city?”

The results of the latest National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) were released this morning, and for Los Cabos, the data shows a mixed bag. The perception of insecurity has risen locally, yet when you zoom out, Baja California Sur remains one of the safest regions in the entire country.

Here is the breakdown of the numbers and what they actually mean for your vacation.

The Data: A Shift in “Perception”

First, we have to address the slide. For years, Los Cabos has consistently ranked in the top 10 cities with the best security perception in Mexico. In this latest report, it dropped to 16th place.

According to the survey, the percentage of residents who feel “unsafe” increased throughout 2025:

• Q1 2025: 24.7%
• Q4 2025: 39.0%

While an increase is never the goal, context is everything. The survey measures perception (how people feel), which is often influenced by headlines, population growth, and traffic, rather than just violent crime rates.

The National Context: Cabo vs. The Rest

This is the most important metric for international travelers. Even with the recent uptick in local anxiety, Los Cabos is still statistically far safer than the national average.

• Mexico National Average: 63.8% of citizens feel unsafe.
• Los Cabos: 39.0% of citizens feel unsafe.

In simple terms: While nearly 2 out of 3 people in the rest of Mexico feel insecure, the vast majority of Cabo residents (61%) still feel safe in their city.

PLUS: A recent survey took place asking tourists if they felt safe on their vacation, and 90% said yes. So while locals may be feeling less safe over the year, tourists are feeling safer than ever.

Why The Numbers Changed

The report points to two main factors driving this shift in local sentiment:

1. Rapid Urban Growth

Cabo is booming. The influx of new residents, traffic congestion, and strain on infrastructure create a general sense of “disorder” that impacts how locals answer safety surveys.

2. Regional Headlines (The “North” Factor)

The report notes that “high-impact crimes” recorded in the northern region of the state (specifically Comondú) have affected the perception of the entire peninsula.

• The Reality: Comondú is roughly a 4-5 hour drive from the tourist zone of Cabo San Lucas. Events happening there are geographically irrelevant to a tourist on Medano Beach, but they still impact the psychological state of the state’s residents.

The Bottom Line

Los Cabos is experiencing growing pains. As the city expands from a quiet fishing village into a global luxury metropolis, the “small town” vibe is shifting.

However, for the average tourist, the “security bubble” remains intact. With police cameras being installed on beaches (as we reported yesterday) and a security perception that is nearly 25 points better than the national average, Cabo remains one of the safest places you can book a flight to in 2026.